NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Culture & Tourism , Entertainment

‘I’ve made history,’ Chidinma Adetshina celebrates first runner-up finish at Miss Universe 

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By Joshua Olomu

Chidimma Adetshina, 22-year-old beauty queen who represented Nigeria at the 73rd Miss Universe pageant, has expressed excitement after finishing as the first runner-up at the grand finale of the competition.

The grand finale of the 2024 Miss Universe held at the Arena CDMX in Mexico City, with Miss Denmark, Victoria Kjaer Theilvig, edging out 124 contestants from around the globe to win the crown.

However, the event witnessed an intriguing face-off between Nigeria and Denmark, as the two beauty queens stood poised to claim the crown, but Miss Denmark ultimately won the highly coveted crown.

The new Miss Universe has taken over from Miss Universe 2023, Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Adetshina expressed delight on her first runner-up feat in a post-event interview video clip posted on the X page (formerly twitter) of the Miss Universe Nigeria organisation.

She said: “I’m so excited. I don’t have words to describe what I’m feeling right now, but I’m so proud of myself, and I just made history!”

This was followed by another post by the Miss Universe Nigeria organisation, eulogising her: “Beauty with Brains and Humility….Our Queen#Chidinma.”

She was also crowned Miss Universe Africa and Oceania.

As the highest ranked African Contestant of this year’s competition, this marks the continent’s highest placement in Miss Universe history.

NAN reports that Adetshina made history earlier this year by winning Miss Universe Nigeria after withdrawing from Miss South Africa pageant that was marred with controversies.

She was born in Soweto to a Nigerian father of Igbo descent, and a Mozambican mother who is accused of allegedly committing identity fraud in South Africa.

The Law student and model, who was raised in Cape Town, was a finalist in the 2024 Miss South Africa pageant, but faced severe online harassment and bullying over her Nigerian roots.

Hash Social media attacks targeted her Nigerian heritage despite her being born in South Africa and meeting all competition requirements.

Adetshina eventually announced her withdrawal from the competition citing safety and the well-being of herself and that of her family members..(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

Culture & Tourism

Tourism expert establishes museum to preserve Awori history

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By Taiye Olayemi

A tourism enthusiast and son to former Olota of Ota, in Ogun, Prince Adetunji Fadina, has established a museum for the preservation of Awori culture and historical legacy in the town.

Fadina, also a custodian of Awori culture, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Sunday that the museum located in Ota, would be inaugurated in January 2025.

NAN reports that the Awori, a prominent subgroup of the Yoruba people, speak a distinct dialect of the Yoruba language.

They are known as the original inhabitants of Lagos State and parts of Ogun.

Fadina said the museum christened “Oba Timothy Oloyede Fadina Centre for Awori Art, Culture and History”, is meant to pay tribute to his late father’s legacies and other past occupiers of the Olota throne.

He maintained that the museum would serve as a veritable platform to educate visitors on the significance of the Awori’s contributions to Nigerian history.

According to him, it will foster cultural awareness and appreciation through interactive exhibitions and programmes, as well as provide a platform for community engagement and cultural exchange.

“The inspiration behind the Oba Timothy Oloyede Fadina Centre for Awori Art, Culture and History is anchored on a strategic vision to authentically tell our story, preserving and celebrating the uniqueness of the Awori heritage brand.

“Drawing from the rich experiences of cultural preservation efforts in South Africa and Gambia, the centre is designed to leave a lasting legacy.

“A legacy that will educate and immerse future generations in the values, history, and cultural pride of the Awori people.

“The centre stands as a lasting tribute to my father, Oba Timothy Oloyede Fadina, ensuring that the Awori heritage is celebrated and sustained.

“It is a deliberate investment in the cultural future of our people, built to resonate deeply and endure for generations to come,” he said.

Fadina noted that the museum would be opened to the public for a dry run in December, before its eventual opening in January 2025.

Speaking on the content of the museum, Fadina disclosed that the historical fact of the four divisions of the Awori kingdom would be on display.

He listed the four divisions to include ”Otun” , “Osi”, “Ijana” and “Oruba”.

“In our bid to promote our local cuisines like Omoyo, Dundu-cocoa and more, we have earmarked a local kitchen within the centre, where they can be prepared for tourists’ delight.” (NAN)

Edited by Yinusa Ishola/Vivian Ihechu

Culture & Tourism

Partnership, collective efforts needed to eradicate violent extremism -GOC

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The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Maj.-Gen. Farouk Mijinyawa, has stressed the need for partnership and collective efforts to eradicate violent extremism in the country.

Mijinyawa said this at the graduation ceremony of 32 participants of Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre (MLAILPKC) on Countering Violent Extremism.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Countering Violent Extremism Course 5, 2024 which started on Oct. 26 ended on Nov.8 at the Nigerian Army School of Finance and Administration (NASFA) Lagos.

Participants from Ghana, Sierra Leone, Cameroon, Guinea Bissau, Togo and Liberia took part in the two-week rigorous training.

Mijinyawa commended the seamless collaboration between MLAILPKC and the Government of Japan, through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which resulted to the approval and conduct of the course.

According to him, the strategic partnership between the Centre and the Government of Japan through the UNDP serves as beacon of international cooperation which needs to be sustained.

He quoted former UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan, as saying that the greatest weapon against extremism is collective action.

“This points to the fact that it is only through partnership and collective efforts that we can eradicate the menace of violent extremism in the world,” he said.

The GOC said that violent extremism had continued to threaten world peace and humanity in general, adding that all stakeholders must unite to counter it by addressing the root causes.

“These include support to education, community engagements and creating economic opportunities.

“The training will help to enhance capacity and equip potential peacekeepers with the requisite expertise to handle threats posed by violent extremism.

“It will also enable them to effectively perform their roles in a multidimensional peacekeeping mission,” he said

He expressed satisfaction with the caliber of erudite resource persons, facilitators and experts that were invited from both within and outside the country to make presentations during the course.

“We appreciate you for the knowledge you have imparted and for sharing from your wealth of experiences.

“I urge the graduands to apply the knowledge gained from this course in the discharge of their responsibilities in their various formations, units and organisations,” he said.

Mijinyawa commended the collaboration of the Government of Japan, and the UNDP with MLAILPKC which continued to demonstrate their unwavering commitment to ensuring peace and stability in Africa and the world at large.

Mr Matthew Alao, Team Lead, Governance, Peace, and Security Unit, UNDP Nigeria, said that violent extremism was a complex, multifaceted problem that required equally nuanced and adaptable solutions.

“You will face challenges, setbacks and moments of doubt. However, be hopeful; be optimistic because our struggle is not the struggle of a day or a year, it is the struggle of a lifetime,” he said.

Alao expressed confidence in the knowledge and skills the participants had acquired, saying that they were not just academic achievements, but the building blocks of resilient communities and sustainable peace.

“Your training equips you to be the architects of this justice; to build bridges where others see only divides, and to illuminate paths towards reconciliation in the darkest corners of conflict.

“Now, you stand ready to return to your respective countries, organisations, and communities as agents of positive change,” the UNDP representative said.

He urged the participants to always remember that countering violent extremism was not solely about security measures or law enforcement.

“It is about addressing root causes, fostering inclusive societies, and offering hope where despair once reigned.

“Your role extends beyond tactical responses; you are now architects of resilient communities and advocates for social justice,” he said.

Alao appreciated the Government of Japan, MLAILPKC, the Ministry of Budget and National Planning, and the UNDP for their support which had been instrumental in shaping future leaders.

One of the participants of the training, Lt.-Col. Thomas Nimele, from the Armed Forces of Liberia, said that the course broadened his knowledge regarding peacekeeping in violent extreme situations.

“The training also gave me insight into the drivers that cause violent extremism and how to use non kinetic measures to win the war.

“Countering violent extremism is a holistic approach involving both government institutions and societal institutions, using non kinetic approach to defeat the ideology of violent extremism,” Nimele said.

Also, Maj. Felix Adongo, from the Ghana Army, said that his take home would be to employ the use of more non kinetic measures in countering the extremist agenda rather than always resulting to force.

“It is important that we tackle this menace from this angle by identifying and getting to the root causes of the extremists ideas and agenda,” Adongo said.(NAN)

Edited by Isaac Aregbesola/Kadiri Abdulrahman

Culture & Tourism

Ara set to commemorate 25th anniversary on stage, 50th birthday

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By Taiye Olayemi

The progenitor of female talking drummers in Africa, Aralola Olamuyiwa, popularly known as “Ara”, says plans have advanced to celebrate her 50th birthday and 25 years on stage, in January 2025.

Ara told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, that she began her career as a professional drummer in 1999, hence set to celebrate the milestones.

She noted that a legacy project, which entailed building “Ara Drum Heritage Centre”, would be unveiled during the double celebrations.

She explained that the centre would be dedicated to sustaining traditional drumming, fostering creative talent, and instilling a profound sense of cultural pride.

“My plan is to establish a world-class drum museum showcasing African drumming history and cultural significance.

“This is to provide training and educational programmes for drummers, focusing on traditional and contemporary techniques.

“It will also be a platform to host workshops, concerts, and cultural events celebrating drummings role in African culture.

“It is also meant to create a community hub for drummers, musicians, and cultural enthusiasts to develop partnerships with local and international organisations to promote cultural exchange.

“This legacy project is dear to my heart, and I will be unveiling more information on it soon.

“I remain grateful to God, my fans, friends, and family for the journey so far,” she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Remi Koleoso/Vivian Ihechu

Culture & Tourism

Arts, culture veritable tools for inclusive economic growth – Minister

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By Philip Yatai

Dr Mariya Mahmoud, Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has described arts, culture and traditions of FCT residents as veritable tools for inclusive economic growth.

Mahmoud stated this at the close of the 11th Edition of the Abuja Festival of Arts and Culture (ASOFEST), in Abuja on Thursday.

The Minister, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Social Development Secretariat, Mrs Olubumi Olowookere, noted that FCT was blessed with rich and unique culture, customs and traditions.

She said that the 11th edition of the ASOFEST, with the theme, “Sustaining the Renewed Hope Agenda through Efficient Management of Cultural Resources”, seeks to build and promote culture as a creative economy.

Mahmoud stressed that arts and culture were critical tools in the quest to transform the nation’s economy to deliver sustained inclusive growth.

This, she said, would promote peace, prosperity and unity, thereby boosting food and national security.

She reiterated the FCT Administration’s commitment to preserving and protecting the rich cultural heritage of indigenous people and residents of the territory

She said that through ASOFEST, the FCT Administration was not only preserving but also promoting and showcasing the FCT’s unique arts, culture and traditions to the world.

“The FCT Administration is poised to protect, preserve, promote and showcase our rich cultural heritage, diversity, uniqueness and traditions to the world.

“This, we are doing through cultural exchange and exhibition at our own annual ASOFEST.

“The festival has afforded us the opportunity to enjoy the rich cultural heritage of the people and residents of FCT.

“Even the people who settled and made FCT their home, we equally appreciate the dynamism of their different cultures,” she added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, had promised  to develop the territory’s arts, culture and tourism potential.

Wike said at the opening of the two-day event that the move would preserve, promote and showcase FCT’s cultural heritage to the world.

He said that President Bola Tinubu had given a matching order to the FCTA, to harness the tourism potential of the federal capital, with a view to contribute to the growth of the nation’s economy. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Culture & Tourism

Art X Lagos opens with tribute to late Herbert Wigwe

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By Taiye Olayemi

 

An international art fair, ART X Lagos, has opened with tribute to late Herbert Wigwe, former Group Managing Director of Access Bank Plc and some other unsung pioneers across different fields.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme for this year’s fair is ‘Promised Lands’.

The exhibition had on display beautiful photos of the late banker with videos of iconic previous public presentations.

Tokini Peterside-Schwebig, Founder of ART X Lagos, during a media preview of the exhibitions on Thursday, said no fewer than 10 specially curated galleries from cities like Lagos, Harare, Accra, and London, were featured.

According to her, the theme resonates deeply with our collective journey, reflecting on where we are and envisioning where we aspire to be.

Peterside-Schwebig noted that one of the galleries known as the Markmaker gallery exhibited photographs and achievements of some unsung pioneers who redefined what was possible for Africans in science, art and social activism.

According to her, the gallery also has photos, videos and documentaries on late Wigwe, celebrating his lofty contributions toward the growth of arts.

“Through their legacy, we are reminded that greatness stems from courage, collaboration, and the audacity to challenge the status quo. This exhibition was curated by Missla Libsekal, Fikayo Adebajo and Haily Grenet,” she said.

Peterside-Schwebig said the fair showcases a diverse mix of emerging and established artists from across Africa and its diaspora.

“ART X Lagos 2024 will take place from Oct. 31 to Nov. 3, at the Federal Palace, Victoria Island, Lagos.

“The private collectors’ preview will be held Oct. 31, followed by the VIP Preview on Frday, Nov. 1. The fair will be open to the pubic on Saturday, Nov. 2nd and Sunday, Nov. 3rd, while virtual audiences can aso engage with the fair on Artsy.net.

“The fair will be paying tribute to late Herbert Wigwe, Former Group Managing Director of Access Bank Plc, for his enduring legacy in building the art industry.

“Other unsung heroes also acknowledged are: Oladunni Odoguwa, first woman to be a Juju band leader; Victoria Iruemi, first Nigerian woman to be a band leader; Dr Elizabeth Awoliyi who was undeterred by the gender gap in 1935, and many more,” she said.

According to Peterside-Schwebig, the fair has continued to push boundaries, fostering cross cultural dialogue.

She said this had been made possible through diverse selection of curated galleries, thought provoking exhibitions and special projects, dynamic live performances, and insightful discussions.

“This year, the fair will continue its commitment to highlighting African art, culture, and community, while fostering critical conversations on the social and political transformations shaping the continent.

“Against a backdrop of challenges being experienced in Nigeria, with political and socio-economic difficulties across Africa, this year’s theme will expore, “Promised Lands”.

“This is to explore places, real and imagined, that offer hope and a vision of greater freedom, prompting a critical examination of where Africa and its diaspora aspire to go,” she said.

“Peterside-Schwebig noted that since Art X debutant in 2016, the fair had showcased artists from over 70 countries, as the fair firmly estabished itself as the leading hub for African and diaspora creatives.”

She explained that there would be a crossroads session curated by by Papa Omotayo in collaboration with Haily Grenet, Fikayo Adebajo and Dike Anthony.

She said this space would invite meaningful engagement on pivotal societal questions as it reflect on Nigera’s current challenges, creating a collective tapestry of shared voices and hopes.

“Other major exhibitions include Marcellina Akpojotor’s textile art addressing sustainability and Williams Chechet’s Afrofuturist “Breaking Barriers,” both contributing to the fair’s theme of creativity driving social change.

“The Access ART X prize 2023 winners Julius Agbaje for Nigeria Award and Shabu Mwangi for Africa and Diaspora Award, will host solo exhibitions around the concept of “What May Come”.

“This is alongside a retrospective on previous winners of the prize, curated by Jumoke Sanwo.

“In collaboration with Afreximbank, ART X Lagos will also present Art Across Borders, an exhibition featuring six mid-career African and Caribbean artists who explore ancestral connections and future possibilities.

“ART X Talks will further enrich the fair with engaging discussions, including a conversation with filmmaker Andrew Dosunmu.

The 2024 galleries incude: Afriart Gallery (Uganda), Alexis Gallery (Nigeria), Galerie MAM (Cameroon), Gallery 1957 (Ghana), Affinity Art Gallery (Nigeria).

Others are Kanbi Projects (UK), kó (Nigeria), Nike Art Gallery (Nigeria), ODA Art Gallery (Nigeria) and Tiwani Contemporary (UK). (NAN) (nannews.ng)

Edited by Nkiru Ifeajuna/Folasade Adeniran

Culture & Tourism , Entertainment

Nigerian authors want FG ‘s support for writers

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By Joshua Olomu

The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has called on the Federal Government to provide support in form of funding and other intervention initiatives for creative writers to productively deploy their works for nation building.

Its president, Dr Usman Akanbi, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sideline of a book presentation on Thursday at the Mamman Vatsa Writers Village in Abuja.

NAN reports that the book tittled, “Ibale:The Broken Pot”, is authored by Esther Adelana, Public Relations Officer of ANA FCT chapter, and was formally presented by the association.

According to Akanbi, ANA exists to promote Nigeria’s cultural heritage, diversity, literary enterprise and protect the rights of writers in order to build a vibrant and responsive body of creative writers.

He said to effectively engage Nigerian authors toward building egalitarian and progressive nation, there was need to support them as obtainable in other climes.

The ANA helmsman noted that over the years federal government was providing support and incentives to other genre of arts and creativity, with no deliberate intervention programmes for the Nigerian authors.

“I am imploring them to extend a hand of fellowship to us, especially from the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy.

“Let them work in partnership with us to see how we can bring greater good, not just to Nigerian writers, but to the youth, because writing is an area of endeavour.

“For example, when they are doing book festivals, it is not just about books; it is about culture, about tourism and about things that will project the society in a positive light.

“That is essentially what ANA has even come to assume in the society because it is the only organisation that has professionals from different fields, but sharing that passion for creating art and writing generally.

“So, we need continuous support in terms of funding for writers and other incentives and enabling environment that will drive creativity,” he said.

Earlier, Adelana, the author of the book, said the book is a drama that brings to fore gender-based cultural practices in Africa.

“I wrote ‘Ibale’ out of the desire to address the issue of gender and culture in Nigeria, and during my study, I discovered that it is a global issue.

However, in Africa, it is more prominent, and something that is being promoted in our society unconsciously, and so, I wrote this cultural play.

“For example, why perpetuate rape and at the same time demand virginity from women, so, Ibale is a cultural text that projects African culture and raises questions about women.

“At the same time, it proffers solutions to this problem,” she said.

In her presentation, the book reviewer, Salamatu Sule, said the play vividly portrays the enduring African tradition regarding the status of women and their ongoing struggle for liberation and recognition.

“Ibale is a multilingual play with seven acts and up to five scenes that provide narration about two brotherly, warring communities.

“The play is set in two traditional Yoruba fictional communities of Iluobe and Ilukoro in an era that a reader may take to be ancient times.

“Esther Adelana provides a thrilling end that reclaims the woman’s dignity and her resilience by pointing at the need to do away with bad cultural practices.

“The themes of love and retribution are captured as well as war and peace which leaves the reader to judge whether or not the play is a tragedy,” she said.

Earlier in his keynote speech, Prof. Sunday Ododo, lauded the author for working hard to write a masterpiece that contributes to the issue of gender equality.

“Modern African writers now assume the role of the consciousness and the conscience of the community and we are happy ANA is striving to ensure that we have new writers.

“Today, Esther Adelana, through Ibale, has also lent her voice to that discussion and conversation and I think she is going to be a motivation for other background writers to emerge,” he said.

Also, Chukwudi Eze, Chairman, ANA Abuja, and host of the event, said the association was championing initiatives that encourage young people to read and become authors.

“ANA FCT is essentially made up of about 70 percent to 75 percent of young people and we encourage and sponsor them to read and write.

“Our people have a proverb that says that our children will be greater than us and nothing makes me prouder being the chairman of ANA Abuja, to celebrate excellence and the energy of youth.

“Esther Adelana is gifted and very enterprising in terms of the written craft and her leadership capacity, especially kind of role she has played in ANA Abuja,” he said. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

Culture & Tourism

Sanwo-Olu inaugurates J Randle Yoruba culture centre after facelift

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By Taiye Olayemi

 

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State on Monday inaugurated the remodelled J Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History.

The centre is currently playing host to the maiden edition of Afropolis Lagos Festival, an international festival of arts, creativity and innovation, which kicked off on Oct. 26 and expected to end on Nov. 3.

Sanwo-Olu also announced the appointment of Nigerian multimodal international artiste, Qudus Onikeku, as the Centre Director for the J Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History.

The governor said the centre, meant to project the history and culture of the Yoruba race from the beginning through to the present and the future, would also serve as a suitable research centre.

Sanwo-Olu said: “Qudus Onikeku will now be the Centre Director for the J Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History. Taking this decision took us almost a year to conclude.

“Qudus is fit to manage this place. We are going to be relying on your expertise and skill for the proper management of this centre.

“He (Qudus) brought the idea of this Afropolis festival, for players in the creative sector to express themselves because we are aware that Lagos is home to lots of creative minds.

 

“This is a destination for the entire creative sector and people of innovation. It is appropriate for research, meetings, relaxation and more.”

He said that the centre was a place to envision ideas.

According to him, it is a centre for the younger creatives to develop their talents.

“This is not a localised space, what we have here are things that bring the entire south west states together; you will see Obatala, Oranmiyan and other dieties in the Yoruba kingdom.

“I am using this opportunity to say that we are deliberate in christianing this place, it is open for the entire Yoruba race, everyone who wants to showcase anything creativity,” he added.

Sanwo-Olu added that the installation of equipment was ongoing at the centre.

The governor assured the creatives of accessibility to funds when they are able to birth new and innovative ideas as many have benefited.

He noted that as part of plans to develop Lagos as the hub for entertainment and tourism, the state had invested in training creatives cutting across various fields.

He said professional institutes like Ebonylife Academy, Ogidi Studio and Delyork Academy were some of the institutes that were engaged in the capacity development programmes.

 

“Our objective will never be to stiffen innovation but to create enriching environment for creativity to thrive.

 

“So, I call on the Ministry of Tourism to develop a proper calendarisation of tourism, culture and entertainment activities so that we can have specific month or months to host such activities.

“This is to enable tourists plan their activities to visit Lagos,” Sanwo-Olu said.

Also, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, the state Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, described the centre as a living tribute to the richness of Yoruba culture and an invitation for all to partake in its beauty.

Benson-Awoyinka said the centre embodied a collective dream, a dream of unity, understanding, and appreciation for the nation’s shared cultural identity.

She appreciated everyone, who contributed to the establishment of the centre, dedicated artisans, historians, educators, and community leaders.

“The John Randle Centre will serve as a beacon of knowledge, highlighting the profound contributions of our ancestors and the enduring spirit of our culture.

“It envisions a space where the stories of our forebears come alive, a place resonating with traditional music, showcasing intricate artistry, and sharing the vibrant narratives of our history.

“This centre is designed to foster a deep sense of connection and pride among all who visit.

“Importantly, this initiative is not only about preservation, it is about innovation.

“We invite our youth to engage with and reinterpret our heritage in contemporary ways, bridging the gap between generations and ensuring our culture remains dynamic and relevant,” she said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Sanwo-Olu and other government officials were taken on tour of the centre after the inauguration.

The centre accommodates a museum, children corner, storytelling arena, exhibition space, a library, multipurpose rooms, a theatre, a seminar room and more. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Folasade Adeniran

Culture & Tourism

CBAAC celebrates FESTAC ’77 legacy at Goge Africa Festival

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By Taiye Olayemi

 

The Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC) on Sunday mesmerised the audience at the Goge Africa Festival with an exhibition, showcasing relics from the Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC 77).

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the festival is the celebration and commemoration of the 25th anniversary of Goge Africa, which has its theme as “Symphony of Culture”.

 

The exhibition by CBAAC was part of activities for the Goge Africa Festival at the Onikan Stadium, Lagos.

 

The exhibition took the people down memory lane on the enduring legacy of FESTAC ’77, revitalising the spirit of Africa’s most iconic cultural extravaganza.

 

The CBAAC exhibition tagged “Our Shared Heritage” featured vintage recordings of legendary performances, rare photographs and documents, intricately crafted artefacts, historical recordings and footages.

 

This captivated young festival-goers, many of whom were discovering FESTAC ’77’s significance for the first time.

 

Also, the exhibition left indelible mark on the revellers, reminding them of Africa’s rich cultural diversity; the power of cultural exchange and the importance of preserving heritages.

 

Speaking with NAN, Aisha Adamu-Augie, Director-General of CBAAC, said the centre had come to display its over 126 publications.

 

“We are here to celebrate with Goge Africa and support them to continue to project the beauty of Africa, we all know how beautiful Africa is.

 

“Yes, we have our shared heritage exhibition here, we have over 126 publications showcased here, that people can buy and learn about African art, civilisation and heritages,” she said.

 

Adamu-Augie commended Goge Africa, saying it had the last 25 years remained steadfast.

 

”It is not easy to run a business in Nigeria, and to have been able to run for 25 years, it is exceptional and we are here to celebrate with them.”

 

She advised younger Nigerians to explore the nation’s culture, to generate employment and wealth.

 

According to her, culture can also be explored to effect peace and unity. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

Culture & Tourism

AIFF: Stakeholders want FG ‘s support for Nigeria’s foremost film festival

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By Joshua Olomu

Stakeholders in the Nigerian film industry have called on  the Federal Government and the FCT administration to support the Abuja International Film Festival (AIIF) after 21-years of running as a foremost film fiesta in Nigeria.

They made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the red carpet of the opening  ceremony of the  21st edition of  AIFF holding at the Silverbird Galleria in Abuja.

This year’s AIFF is with the theme “Beyond Borders: Bridging Cultures Through Cinemas”.

It iis holding from Oct. 28 to Nov.1, bringing together actors, filmmakers, regulators and other cinematic stakeholders from around the world.

According to the stakeholders, film festivals play pivotal role in the growth of any culture and creative industries as they serve as platforms to showcase opportunities and attract investors.

They said the AIFF, a private initiative, has successfully made the FCT a tourism attraction, bringing together filmmakers, actors and investors from across the world in the past two decades.

They said the federal government and the FCT leadership should identify with the AIFF in order to make tourism, culture and creative sectors major drivers of the economy,

Emmanuel Eyaba, filmmaker and former Chairman of the FCT chapter of the Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN), said the AIFF has made Abuja a filmmaking hub and therefore should be supported.

“As a matter of fact, Abuja is the next hub for filmmaking and if we must take it to another level government need to pay more attention to this film festival.

“AIFF is one of the most significant film festivals in Africa, and I mean the festival that has been able to sustain itself for 21 years.

“I think it is very important that we should sustain a festival like this to grow our film industry,” he said.

Also, legendary actor Zack Orji, said the AIFF had evolved to become a connecting point between Nollywood and other  industries across the globe and therefore  should be treated  as a national asset.

“This festival is where Nigerian filmmakers connect with filmmakers from other  parts of the world for  international film production and other things they want to achieve in the industry internationally.

“Filmmakers from all these different countries are coming to Nigeria to show their works, to get the opportunity to meet their colleagues, get different film production arrangements and sell their works.

“I must commend the founder Mr Fidelis Duker  for sustaining it  for 21 years, when  you do not  get grants and funding,” he said.

The Festival Director, Temitope Duker, said the annual film fiesta had become a choice tourist destination for Nigeria, especially the FCT, adding that funding was however a major challenge.

“Government need to understand the fthey have to be fully involved   in this film festival  to reap its benefits for the country.

“Look at the ripple effects when foreigners come here; for instance, if you do that, we are sure that as of today, all the taxi drivers will be in business.

“The food vendors in Abuja will be in business and even the hotels will be fully booked.

“So, if government taps into this just a little bit, and makes it a very conducive environment for people to come, you can just imagine what Abuja will make within the next four days.

“It is, therefore, important for government to understand that this festival does not belong to individuals, it belongs  to the industry, it belongs to the city of Abuja,” she said.

Duker said  a total of 1,254 film submissions were received from 67 countries across the globe, and 82 of the total film submission got selected, while 53 of them were nominated for awards.

According to her, the festival will feature screenings, workshop campus, panel discussion, exclusive producers’ master class, exhibition fashion show and party award, among other highlights.

Dr Shaibu Husseini, Executive Director/CEO, National Film and Video Census Board (NFVBC), lauded the founder of the AIFF for staying steadfast to its vision in the past 21 years.

Husseini, who earlier gave a keynote address at the opening event, said NFVCB was committed to supporting initiatives that contribute to the growth of the nation’s film industry.

“I normally would describe it as one of the longest-running independently organised film festivals in West Africa, and I dare say even in Africa.

“I want to commend them for consistency because some people would have said, oh, this is not bringing money to our table and will leave it.

“I look forward to actually having this festival being adopted even by the city of Abuja, by the government, adopted as a festival because beyond showing films, it is  a tourism event.

“You can imagine people travelling from different areas to come to the festival, to come and see films, to come and connect, to come and exhibit their ware,” he said.

The NFVCB helmsman said that the board was working closely with key stakeholders in driving innovative reforms for the nation’s film industry in line with President Tinubu’s  poise to repositioning the culture and creative sectors. (NAN) (nannews,ng)

 

Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

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